Kelly Ayotte in 2016 NH Senate race

On Education: Cut Pell Grants; use private student loan financing

Hassan: Yes

Ayotte: No. Has voted to cut Pell Grants.

Q: On Student Debt: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by increasing taxes on high earners?

Hassan: Yes

Ayotte: No. Voted against allowing students to draw on federal resources to refinance at lower interest rates. Introduced alternative bill to allow students to refinance at lower rates in the private market. Opponents view private sector option as benefitting financial institutions rather than students.

On Gun Control: No gun restrictions except terrorist watch lists

Hassan: Yes

Ayotte: No. Except for restricting people on terrorist watch lists. Strong second amendment advocate with NRA rating of 5. History of opposing all restrictive gun legislation but currently working on compromise bill restricting people on suspected terrorist watch lists.

On Abortion: Make birth control pills available without prescription

The idea is opposed by Planned Parenthood and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Both groups point out that under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans are required to cover all FDA-approved forms of birth control. If birth control pills and other contraceptives are available over the counter and not covered by insurance, prices could go up and access down.